Version 4.0
Saturday 16 March, 2013 | By STREETS
It has been a short while since I was originally scheduled to feature this beautiful 2006 VIP AWD Lexus IS 250. Previously, right around the time I was supposed to shoot this Lexus, all hell broke loose when Andrew Hoffmann, the owner of this ride, began to head home from High End Performance located in Farmingdale, NY. As he was leaving, everyone at the shop noticed the rear of the car raised on one side and slowly dropping off, on the other. As it turns out, the compressor died that day, RIP. After getting things back up and running again with a new Universal Air Suspension kit, she was finally ready for her time in front of the lens.
Andrew’s vision is proudly displayed in the final product, which has gone over multiple changes, with “4.0” the one you see before you. VIP, Supercharged, bagged, fitted and everything in between, Andrew set-out to do more with his Lexus than just hard park it. He wanted an all-around high quality, top-level build that he could actually enjoy. Add the fact that this is the first AWD IS250 to be supercharged, and the final product is truly something to appreciate.
The wheel fitment is spectacular, and is truly a beautiful scene with Megan Rear camber arms.
The “Smokey Granite Mica” paint flawlessly blends in with carbon fiber treatment throughout the vehicle, as well as all the other “subtle” touches.
Interior
Custom suede headliner w/ diamond stitching | All components dyed black | Custom 2toned leather w/ diamond stitching | carbon fiber flat bottom steering wheel | carbon fiber wrapped console and ac vents | carbon fiber shift knob | Junction Produce curtains | Junction Produce neck pads | Junction Produce pillows | Junction Produce tissue box | Junction Produce fusa | Junction Produce sirotuna | LED upgrades | Custom Led illuminated scuff plates
Engine
Custom Vortech supercharger kit | Synapse BOV | Custom piping | Oil cooling kit | Fsport HKS axle back exhaust | Custom midpipe | Dual electric cutout
…As I said earlier, this car isn’t all about its fitment. There are plenty of goodies inside this bay, and I’m not just talking about all that carbon fiber. Say “Hi” to Mr.Vortech supercharger.
This car has been a six year project, with the custom Vortech supercharger completing the long journey that became of this project. Most of this build took place at High End Performance, a shop run by Manuel Ramdowe and well-known for building many international project cars. Not many make it to the complete stage of a build. But Andrew and his team stuck to the plan, and that’s a testament to their dedication, passion and hard work.
A shot of the IS and High End Performance’s Veilside FD.
Check out the custom front bumper molded to fit the intercooler. Just straight Vampin!
More custom carbon fiber goodness. Simply stunning.
Most people could use some type of detailing done to their vehicle, whether it be just a front bumper or the whole car. Andrew Hoffman is a well-known detailer from Long Island, detailing some of the hottest cars on the east coast. Check him out. www.lidetailers.com ! His Lexus is a prime example of his work.
Exterior
Custom made 3pc forged Weds Kranze Vishunu wheels | Upgraded SBC finish and red center caps | 19×10 19×11 staggered on AWD | Fsport lugs n locks | Hankook tires Custom | molded front bumper with one of two toned lip | Vertex side skirts w/ puddle lights | ISF rear bumper conversion | carbon fiber exhaust tips | carbon fiber Toms ISF rear diffuser | carbon fiber Vorsteiner ISF trunk | Smoked taillights | 8k and 3k HIDS | Led upgrades | Stoptech drilled rotors | carbon fiber roof spoiler | carbon fiber mirrors | Lexus JDM window visors | Painted headlight housings | UAS air suspension | Accuair vu4 Dual Airzenith compressors | Megan rear camber arm | SPC front ball joint
As of the time of this Feature, I’m sad to report that Andrew is ready to move on to his next project. After completing his vision with his IS, it was time to turn his creative focus to yet another project, and start with a new, clean slate. This Lexus is now being parted out. He promises his next project will be even more incredible then this. How he plans to do that, and with what platform, is still under-wraps, but we are all patiently waiting to see what he has in store for the streets.
Photo: STREETS Photography (Tyrone Roberts)
About the author
Tyrone Roberts, AKA Streetstyle. My hood is all over NYC, originally from the Bronx!
